Motorcycle insurance is an agreement between you and your insurance company that protects your bike, scooter, moped, ATV, or UTV, any damage you cause while riding, and other events. As with auto insurance, you’ll select and purchase “coverages,” which represent things your insurer agrees to pay for.In a nutshell: It’s like paying a little now to avoid potentially paying a lot later.

How does motorcycle insurance work?

Whether you buy motorcycle insurance on your own, from an agent, or through a representative at a dealership, you’ll be asked some basic questions about you, your bike, and the coverages you’re looking for. These factors will affect your price for insurance. Then, if you damage your motorcycle or you hit someone/something else, you’ll file a “claim” with your insurer. If your claim is covered, they’ll pay for the losses or injuries up to your coverage limits.

Generally, more coverages means a higher price.

Do you need motorcycle insurance?

Yes. Motorcycle insurance is required in all states except New Hampshire (New Hampshire still requires financial responsibility if you cause an accident, so you’ll want to be properly insured). If you ride without insurance or lack the proper coverages, you could get a fine, have your license revoked, suffer a court-ordered financial judgement that you can’t afford, or even land in jail. No worries, though—Progressive and most other insurers won’t sell a policy that doesn’t meet your state’s requirements.

How to get motorcycle insurance

At Progressive, you can buy motorcycle insurance anytime and usually get coverage immediately. This is ideal for when you need insurance to ride your new bike home from the dealership. You can print proof of insurance or download it to your phone in most states. Here’s how you can purchase a motorcycle policy through Progressive. Prices can vary depending on how you buy.Call a repYou'll speak with a licensed representative who will guide you through everything.Call or Text 970-314-9188Through an agentIf you want local advice we'll connect you with Sterling Peaks Insurance, an independent agent near you.Sterling Peaks InsuranaceProgressive is the #1 motorcycle insurer! Join Progressive today, and see why one out of every three bikes on the road is insured by us.

What’s coveredStandard coveragesThese are the coverages available in most states. Remember, insurance won’t cover maintenance or general wear and tear.

Damages/injuries you cause

Liability: Is the only required coverage in most states. While it’s true that motorcyclists usually bear the brunt of a collision, liability insurance is crucial if you’re in an accident and are responsible for someone else’s injuries or damages. Liability coverage pays for:

Damage to other vehicles (cars, motorcycles, etc.)

Damage to objects (mailbox, phone pole, house, etc.)

Other drivers’ and their passengers’ injuries

Lawsuits if someone sues you because of an accident

Damages to your motorcycle from events beyond your control

Comprehensive: This coverage protects your bike from:

Theft

Windshield damage

Vandalism, riots, explosions, and fire

Falling trees/branches/limbs and other objects

Rocks, debris, or other objects kicked up by other vehicles

Storms, wind, hail, floods, earthquakes, lightning

Accidents with animals (hitting a deer)

Your bike getting knocked over

Damages to your motorcycle from accidents

Collision: Covers any damage to your motorcycle if you collide with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. You’re also covered if your bike is overturned.

Damages to your motorcycle from uninsured drivers/riders

Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage: It’s estimated that about 13% of drivers are uninsured countrywide, according to the Insurance Information Institute. If your motorcycle is damaged by a driver who isn’t carrying insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover the damage they’ve caused, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will kick in. This coverage will then repair or replace your bike up to your policy’s limits. Same goes for injuries you suffer at the hands of an uninsured or underinsured driver—we’ll cover your injuries up to the limits of your policy.

Your injuries

Medical payments: Pays for the medical bills for you and your passengers if you’re in an accident, regardless of fault.Coverages we’ll automatically include on your motorcycle policyKeep in mind, some of these coverages are exclusive to Progressive!

Custom partsAccessories and custom parts/equipment: Most motorcycle owners are very invested in their bike, and have made numerous upgrades and customizations to their ride. That’s why we automatically include $3,000 in accessory coverage if you have comprehensive and collision insurance on your policy. If $3,000 isn't enough, you can purchase up to $30,000 in coverage.

OEM partsOriginal equipment manufacturer parts: Progressive always repairs your bike with OEM parts if that’s what you had before. Or, if your parts were customized, we’ll use custom parts. Know that no matter what parts you have, we'll always replace them with the same parts or better, if available.

No rate increase for certain accidentsAccident forgiveness: We won’t increase your rate if you have a claim that costs less than $500. Plus, if you ride accident-free with us for four years, we won’t raise your rate for your first accident over $500.

Extra coverages

Brand new motorcycle if you total yoursTotal loss coverage: Available for newer bikes. If your bike is totaled in a covered accident, we’ll pay you the full manufacturer’s suggested retail price for a new motorcycle, minus your policy’s deductible.For example, if you bought your bike for $20,000 a couple years ago, it may only be worth $15,000 after depreciation. Now figure the latest model of the bike costs $20,000—well that’s exactly what you’ll receive after your deductible.

TowingRoadside assistance and trip interruption: If you’re within 100 feet of the road and your bike is disabled, we’ll tow it to the nearest repair facility for free. You can also add “trip interruption” coverage which pays for food, transportation, and hotel expenses up to $500 per incident. Roadside assistance must be purchased before you can add trip interruption coverage.

25% deductible dropDisappearing deductibles: For every claim-free policy term, we’ll subtract 25% from your deductible amount. For instance, if you buy a Progressive motorcycle policy and your collision deductible is $1,000, we’ll lower it to $750 if you haven’t filed a claim by your first renewal. If you’re still claim-free at your next renewal, your deductible amount will drop another 25%. And so on, all the way down to $0.

Lost wages if you’re injuredEnhanced injury protection: If you’re unable to work because you’re injured in a covered accident, Progressive will pay you up to $250 per week for two straight years. If you’re in a fatal accident, we’ll pay $25,000 to your beneficiaries, so enhanced injury protection also functions similarly to life insurance.

Full value for replacement partsIf you’re in a covered accident, Progressive will restore your damaged bike to pre-accident condition or better. For example, your damaged five-year-old front tire with 10,000 miles may only have a depreciated value of $50, but a new one costs $150. With Progressive’s no depreciation policy, we’ll give you $150 for the brand new tire (similar model).

How is motorcycle insurance priced?

Insurers will consider a variety of factors, and pricing all comes down to risk: How likely are you to crash your bike and what will it cost to repair or replace? Here are a few of the main factors that will determine your price:Driving history: If your motor vehicle and insurance reports are accident-free, your insurer will consider you less likely to have one in the future. Same goes for violations and speeding tickets.Type of bike: Generally, the more powerful the motorcycle, the greater the risk. Bikes with big engines will likely cost more to insure.​Age: Experienced riders are usually less likely to have an accident, and your rate will typically decrease as you get older. Some insurers may increase rates for older drivers, starting around age 70.

​There are few things more frightening while towing your recreational vehicle than trailer sway. A sudden gust, a passing semi-truck or a quick steering correction can start your trailer swaying or fishtailing. The loss of control can mean tipping your valuable recreational vehicle or causing a serious accident.Even the most experienced drivers have lost control of their towed trailers with disastrous results. A brief encounter with sway on the highway can quickly put a damper on your vacation and make you think about putting the camper back in the garage or up for sale. These tips can help you understand what causes trailer sway, as well as help keep your RV upright.

What causes trailer sway?

Any trailer towed with a hitch set behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle can sway or fishtail while driving. The hitch acts as a pivot point in-between the centers of gravity of the two vehicles. Any trailer sway or side-to-side force will turn the vehicle and create an unexpected steering force.If that sideways force is strong enough it can be more powerful than the road-tire friction for the drive wheels on the vehicle. This can cause the tipping over or separation of the trailer and maybe even the truck or car too.

Wind and drafts

Trailer sway can be a result of crosswinds, drafts from passing semi-trucks or descending hills using incorrect braking technique, according to Mark Polk in his RV Tech Tips series on RVTravel.com.The front of trailers are aerodynamic to improve towing gas mileage, but the sides aren’t. A 35-mph crosswind could put as much as 3,440 pounds of force pushing on the side of a large trailer, according to a study on commercial vehicle towing accidents by Knott Laboratory in 2009.

Weight and balance problems

Loading too much gear on one side of your camper can also cause an unbalance, making them swing more dramatically once a sway starts, like a pendulum around its center of gravity. This can also make your RV more likely to suffer a blowout, or additional braking and steering problems.Balancing weight to the forward and rear is also vital for controlled driving. Between 12-15% of the trailer’s weight should be resting on the tow vehicle’s hitch, according to Bill Estes, writing in Trailer Life Magazine. Any less weight forward may pull up on the tow vehicle’s rear wheels just when you need more traction and control. However, drivers have to be careful not to exceed the tow rating of the hitch or vehicle itself.

How to help keep trailer sway from happening

The best way to correct trailer sway is to avoid it in the first place. Follow these general tips when towing from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)[1]:

Release the accelerator and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to control sway caused by large passing vehicles.

Check the tire pressure. Under-inflated tires reduce the load-carrying capacity of your vehicle or trailer which can cause sway.

What products are available to reduce trailer sway?

Several hitch designs claim to reduce sway through friction control or weight distribution. Friction based hitches create a rigid connection, limiting sway but still allowing the trailer to turn. Weight distribution hitches use special parts to distribute the tongue weight of the trailer among all of the axles, both tow vehicle and trailer[2].

What is RV Insurance?

​RV insurance is an agreement between you and your insurance company that protects your motorhome, travel trailer, camper, fifth wheel, etc. You'll choose from a variety of coverages meant to protect your vehicle and provide peace of mind on trips and vacations or if you use your RV as a permanent residence. If you're "driving" a motorhome, you'll also need liability coverage to stay legal on the road. But if you're "pulling" a travel trailer, your state won't require you to insure the RV, as you're already covered for liability on your auto insurance policy.

Generally, more coverage means a higher price

How does RV Insurance work?

​When you buy RV insurance, your insurer or agent will ask simple questions about you, your RV, and how often you use it. You'll then select coverages that will best protect you and your vehicle. Generally, more coverage means a higher price. If you damage your vehicle or you're responsible for someone else's damages or injuries, you'll file a "claim" with your insurer. If your claim is covered, they'll pay for the losses or injuries up to your coverage limits.

Do I need motorhome insurance?

​Yes. You must have at least the state minimum for liability, since motorhomes are driven and not towed. When quoting motorhome insurance, all insurers will let you know the minimum requirements in your state. Failure to carry liability insurance could result in a revoked license, fines, or even jail time.

Do I need travel trailer insurance?

​Because you're not actually driving your travel trailer, you aren't required by law to have insurance on a vehicle that you tow with a car or truck. However, your travel trailer is often a valuable asset, and should be protected the same way you insure your home, car, etc.Most travel trailer policies include comprehensive coverage. It's up to you if you want to add collision, but most financers will require you to carry both.

Recreational vs. Full-timer's

RV insurance is generally divided into two categories: recreational and full-timer's. Recreational is for you if you aren't living in your RV full time and will cover your RV inside and out while on the road or parked at a campsite. Full-timer's insurance is meant for those using a motorhome or travel trailer as their primary residence. Many of the coverages will match up with a recreational policy, but you'll be able to add additional coverages that are similar to homeowners insurance, like personal liability and loss assessment.

What's covered

Standard RV coverages

Damages to your RVComprehensive and collision: Comprehensive protects your RV from theft, vandalism, windshield damage, acts of nature, rocks and debris kicked up by other vehicles, and accidents/impact with animals. A deductible applies.Collision covers damage to your RV if you're in an accident and hit another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. Note that you won't be able to purchase collision without also purchasing comprehensive. A deductible also applies.

Damages/injuries you cause

Bodily injury and property damage liability: Pays for damage or injuries you cause while driving your motorhome. It also covers legal fees that may result from the accident. In most states, this is the only required coverage. Coverage does not apply to travel trailer policies.

Damages to your RV and injuries from uninsured drivers

Uninsured/underinsured property damage and bodily injury: If your motorhome is hit and damaged by a driver who isn't carrying insurance or doesn't have enough to cover the damage they've caused, uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage will pay to repair or replace it (up to your policy's limits). Same goes for injuries you suffer at the hands of an uninsured or underinsured driver—we'll cover your injuries up to the limits of your policy. Coverage does not apply to travel trailer policies.

Your injuries

Medical payments: Covers medical bills, up to the limits you choose, for you and your passengers if you're in an accident, regardless of fault. Coverage does not apply to travel trailer policies.

Extra RV coverages

Roadside assistance

Sterling Peaks Insurance offers 24/7 roadside help by towing you to the nearest repair facility if your motorhome or travel trailer is disabled within 100 feet of a road or highway. You're covered for a mechanical or electrical breakdown, dead battery, flat tire, fuel delivery, or if you're just stuck on the side of the road in snow, mud or sand.

Total loss replacement

If your RV is totaled in a covered accident, we'll pay for a brand new motorhome or travel trailer, minus your deductible.For instance, if you paid $50,000 for your RV three years ago, it may only be worth $30,000 today. But Insurance could pay you $55,000 on your claim, minus your deductible, as we guarantee the same model year or later. You can also choose not to replace your damaged vehicle and instead get reimbursed for the original purchase price.If your motorhome is more than five years old, we'll pay you the amount specified on your insurance policy—minus your deductible.

Replacement cost/personal effects

Provides up to $99,000 in coverage for your personal property inside your RV. Certain items outside your motorhome or travel trailer may be covered.Emergency expenseIf your motorhome or travel trailer is disabled more than 50 miles away from your home, we'll give you up to $750 for transportation and hotel expenses. You'll also have the option of upgrading to $2,000 in coverage for an extra cost.

Pet injury coverage

We'll pay up to $1,000 if your cat or dog is injured during a covered accident. There is no deductible!

Vacation liability

If you're on vacation and someone is hurt in or around your RV, you're covered up to $10,000. For only a few dollars more, you can upgrade to $100,000 or more in coverage.Vacation liability can also cover property damage. For instance, if your ice-fishing travel trailer sinks in a lake, you're covered for the costs of removing the sunken trailer.

Full-timer's personal liability

If you use your motorhome or travel trailer as a permanent residence, this enhanced coverage works similarly to vacation liability. You're covered up to $500,000 if you're responsible (also called liable) for injuries in or around your RV.

Loss assessment

Insurance pays up to $5,000 in charges that you could potentially face from your RV association. For example, your RV association may require all members to chip in and pay for damages to common areas (swing set, deck, trails, bathroom facilities, etc.) caused by a hurricane or major storm. We'd then cover whatever amount you owe up to the $5,000 limit.

Disappearing deductibles

For every claim-free policy period you have with Progressive, we will lower your deductible by 25%. For example, if your collision deductible is $1,000, we'll lower it to $750 if you haven't filed a claim by your first policy renewal. If you're still claim-free at your next renewal, your deductible will drop to $562.50. And so on...all the way down to $0.If you file a claim and use the disappearing deductible you earned, you'll go back to your original deductible. Starting with your next claim-free policy, your deductible will start lowering again.

How is RV/motorhome insurance priced?

​Like with other types of insurance, RV insurance pricing comes down to risk. How likely are you to file a claim and what will it cost to repair or replace your motorhome or trailer? Here are some factors that will help determine what you'll pay:

Type: A large, state-of-the-art motorhome will typically cost more to insure than a smaller, used RV. Typically Class A motorhomes are more expensive to insure than Class C motorhomes simply because they're bigger and more expensive. Similarly, a conventional travel trailer will usually cost more to insure than a truck camper.

Use: Usually, the more you use your RV, the more you'll pay to insure it. If you live in your RV, you are more of a risk to your insurer than someone who uses their RV recreationally, a few weekends per year.​Driving experience: It's a whole new ballgame when driving a motorhome compared to a car. Adjusting to a bigger vehicle, different blind spots, and challenging turns takes time, so RV drivers with more experience will pay less for insurance than newer drivers.

A small scratch can be a big deal when it’s on your beloved automobile. Even if it’s in a place where most people will never see it, you know it’s there. And you want to do something about it before it turns into a more serious issue.When you have scratches without dents that don’t call for assistance from a body shop, what’s the best way to fix them? First, determine what kind of scratch you’re dealing with. Then, make a plan for your at-home car scratch repair.Three kinds of scratchesThere are three basic kinds of car scratches, and each requires its own approach[1]:

Clear coat scratch – the most superficial type of scratch. They are tiny abrasions in the top layer of clear coating that protects your paint job. In a clear coat scratch, paint and primer aren’t affected.

Paint scratch – this occurs when the scratch goes past the clear coat and into the paint itself.

Deep scratch – the worst type of scratch. It will require a professional repair. This scratch happens when the damage goes all the way to the metal, cutting through the clear coat, paint and primer.

Of these scratches, the deep scratch that goes all the way to the body of the car is the most difficult and expensive to repair. You’ll need to get professional help to make sure the damage is repaired and sealed properly to ensure that you don’t end up with rust.DIY scratch repair[2]Fortunately, the first two types of scratches often can be resolved with products from your local auto repair shop. When you discover a scratch and want to fix it, hand-wash your car first to remove any dirt or grime from the surface. Use a clay bar or a nanoskin towel or mitt to buff the surface. This removes swirls and hairline scratches, refreshing the look of your car. It can also help you see which areas need the most work.Finally, give the vehicle a good waxing and hand-buff the surface; if your scratches are superficial, chances are they’ll be gone by now. If you still see scratches, try applying a liquid scratch remover. You can find them online or at your local auto parts store[3].When the damage goes deeperIf your scratches haven’t gone away, you might have to put a little more muscle into your repair. There are several DIY kits available that include a rotary tool or have attachments that fit onto your existing drill. These tools can help hide light scratches. This method does sand away your clear coat, but you can easily refresh the look of the paint with a polishing compound or finishing paste[1].If the damage has gone deep enough that no amount of sanding will remove it, get matching paint from your auto dealership and fill in the scratch yourself. Apply a small amount of paint to the scratch using a toothpick. Using the brush in the paint bottle will likely apply too much paint and can draw more attention to the scratch. Let it dry completely and repeat the process if necessary. Then, use a polishing tool to smooth everything out[4].Minor scratches without body damage are relatively easy to fix for yourself. However, if your vehicle has suffered a dent or scrape that needs body work, talk to your insurance agent about the next steps. And, if you’re on a roll making small repairs to your vehicle, this is also a great time to learn about fixing your car’s upholstery.